HANDSOME BUT DAMNED - Attraction

by Anisa Gjikdhima

  «What?» he exclaimed loudly, attracting the attention of all those present.

  «There are some problem, Elisa?» he asks Mr Wells, visibly astonished my behavior. No, not at all. I just like my ex-boyfriend client, which I try to avoid him and I forget him.

  «I'm just surprised. I worked for a short period in this company.»

  «Better that way, at least you know who you're dealing with.» Its seems a warning.

  Definitely knows who is Erik Truston. Those who do not know him, for that matter? But, I mean, with all the law firms that we have just had to happen to me?

  I want to scream, I would say no, this is not right. I don't want to work for him. I managed to survive the wedding of Claire for miracle, this is too much.

  After the meeting, I take refuge in my Office. Continually slam my head on the desk in frustration. I tried to avoid it for 12 fucking months and now I have to work for him? Curse. You may have more luck? I have to go back and talk to him, I have to be back in his presence. How will I resist? And if he thought I'm still in love with? No, this must not happen neither now nor ever. If I get out alive from this story, I swear that I created a statue to worship me.

  ***

  A year that I will not go into the offices of Erik and I felt the lack. But apparently the fate pulling against me.

  «Good morning, my name is Elisa Ston, on behalf of the study Wells. I have an appointment with Mr. Truston». I would rather say: "appointment with an asshole", but I have to hold back.

  «Come on, he's waiting for you».

  Of course I wait, so she can have fun again. A deep breath, I have to be calm and professional stars.

  «Good morning, Erik» I say just I walked into his Office.

  «Elisa, good to see you again.» He seems thrilled.

  Thank my boss if you review my face.

  «If you don't mind, you get straight to the point. I have other commitments» I say dismissive. He seems disappointed by my reaction. What's the matter, dear? Your plans have gone up in smoke?

  «Fine» he responds sighing. While hands me the documents, our hands touching for a moment. Do I ignore it and I begin to read, they are not very concentrated. He distracts me. I spend several minutes with his head bowed on the sheets, I didn't read anything in reality. I just needed a way to avoid his gaze.

  «Perfect. When everything is ready, I'll let you know» I say getting up.

  I can't wait to get out of here. I can't breathe.

  «Wait. You don't have any questions? You don't have to know your customer?» he asks.

  «I have no questions, documents about this for you. And no, I don't need to know my client. I know you too well, and also the Truston. Good day, Erik». I don't expect answers, give him a half smile and go out from his Office.

  Well, now I can breathe again. After this meeting, I think I'll need a massage to relax.

  It was very satisfying to see her face as I spoke, he seemed surprised and also disappointed, I'd say. Stronger and cold I see, the better.

  I have to rush home to Claire, she sent me a message and she asking me to pass. It seemed urgent.

  «Please you come with me. We're going to have fun like the old days!» Claire's voice resonates throughout the apartment.

  «Fancy dress party?» I ask sullen.

  «It will be fun, and then behind a mask no one will know who you are.» it is from 20 minutes she trying to convince me.

  The idea didn't seem bad, until I said the name of who organizes the event: Erik Truston.

  «You put a hand on your heart, it's for charity.»

  This is a low blow, she knows I can't say no to certain things.

  «I'm not going to a fancy dress party he has arranged».

  I cross my arms, my gaze is glacial.

  «He won't recognize you, I promise» she insists.

  «Why are you doing this? You know how I feel about him. » I try to play a helpless puppy.

  «Don't you think it's time to let bygones be bygones? And then, did you leave him, if I'm not mistaken.»

  These words are worse than a slap.

  «This is a cheap shot» I fumbling lowering the gaze.

  «You listen to me very carefully: I brought this fabulous outfit and you can't even imagine that jump through hoops I had to do to get it. So, you now get your ass you go prepare. I advise you not to add more. I swear by all the Saints that headlock with my hands, I dig a hole and bury you there inside. Clear?» she growls coming closer and closer. Terrifying.

  Her eyes seem to come out of the sockets. But how does Logan still alive? I'm beginning seriously to fear, maybe it's better to let it run. Basically, as she said, I have a form and do not recognize me. Right? her behavior is very strange, though, she is insisting too much for this evening. Who knows what is processing her evil mind.

  «I want to know more about this party. I've never been to this kind of thing» I say going to the kitchen.

  «I Say this evening, it's a bit different from the others» she answers remaining vague. Of course, when there is comes to Erik nothing is normal.

  «You explain».

  «In addition to voluntary donations, each guest will receive tonight a number. At the end of the evening will be drawn 10 random numbers. Those selected will offer an evening in their company, to win the auction. The money will go to charity. Now do you understand?».

  I knew there was something going on, and I was right. On second thought, this could be fun. I am surprised to know that Erik has organized a charity event. Apparently has a heart.

  «Lend me one of your clothes because I didn't want to go home, otherwise you will see me more» I say while I climb the stairs that lead to his wardrobe. I hear her giggle, he's having fun because she likes to see me in difficulty when it comes to Erik.

  The location chosen is an old villa very imposing. I'm not surprise: where there is Erik, everything is great. It is precisely in its style, this is all from him. At the entrance to a woman, I would say beautiful, we tie a red bracelet with a number on it. Mine has the number 85. If they go in order, this means that tonight there will be a lot of people. Better. Because it's for a good cause, the more the merrier. When Claire told me it was for the children of the third world, I've had no doubts. Although small, I want to make my contribution.

  The evening begins full of champagne and appetizers. Trays that are empty and fill up all the time. People laughing and joking. I have to say that the environment is very comfortable, I didn't expect anything. Do a tour, hoping to breed some familiar. Where's Claire? Missing.

  Very suspicious behavior.

  Very suspicious behavior.

  He insisted me to come with her, and then disappears, leaving me alone? I hope you're up to something.

  «Excuse me, Miss. Would you like to dance?»

  I recognize this, Jason.

  I will have recognized? His mask hides only the eyes. Dressed in a blue suit and white shirt, just does look good.

  «Let me tell you it is beautiful». he will never change. This situation is so fun! he doesn't know who I am. It makes me relax, even Erik will recognize me. I chose a Black Lace mask that covers most of the face, hopefully good.

  I smile slightly extending her hand. During our dance doesn't say anything, look even a bit.

  «May I know your name, magnificent creature?» he asks so theatrical. It's too much, I laugh. This tactic really works? Come on, I had enough time to disappoint him: «Hi, Jason.»

  «Fuck, Elisa! » he exclaims. he has an expression so funny.

  «Sorry, I wanted to have some fun» I try to explain myself.

  «This you will pay me.» There is a thread of seriousness in what he says. «you saw that you enjoy so much, you know that Erik is staring at us, »he says chuckling. That name for me is a wake-up call.

  «I don't care» I ment shamelessly.

  «Then, you won't mind if I do this.» Without I having the time to say or do anything, I am the mouth of Jason glued to mine. But what the he
ll is going on? Oh my God! He kissed me. A kiss to die but still a kiss.

  «Are you crazy?» I question.

  «You excuse me. But now you look at his face »he will order me. My eyes rest on an Erik angry, very angry. Sounds like he's going to smoke out of your ears. He approaches us with quick step. He recognized me. Do not understand anything. Jason kisses me, Erik gets angry ... Worse than a Madhouse. Without warning, Jason drags me into the garden. OK, these two are crazy. One tells me she doesn't love me. The other, and my friend, kisses me without reason. Surely it is a nightmare, there is no other explanation.

  «You're a piece of shit!» Erik shouts running towards Jason. He jumps like a tiger. Jason doesn't seem worried, indeed. I would say it is amused, since if the laughs. All this is absurd. Continue to roll between kicks and punches, looks like two kids. I can't believe it. My nerves are about to jump and, before anyone sees them under these conditions, I have to stop them.

  «Stop!» I cry their hearts out. We freeze instantly. Well, it worked. I just hope that no one has heard. They look at me shocked. We realize?

  «You're both fuckholes». I approach. Surely my parents are turning in his grave for all the swear words I say lately. To be exact since destiny has decided that Erik needs to continue to be a torture for me and my heart. Yes, I know, it sounds like me. But right now I'm beside myself. It took me months to find a modicum of calm and right now I feel like going back to square one.

  «I'm sorry for the kiss but I wanted to show you how this cunt loves you,» Jason says breaking silence. I listen what he said, he could have shut up.

  «You used me to prove to me that he loves me? Too bad that he most interests me. He doesn't love me, I don't love him, no one asked you to prove anything» I growl.

  I look at Erik and I don't recognize him. The man I remember he was so earnest and composed. Now he's in a fight with a friend, in the middle of a charity event. This thing is crazy.

  «You don't love me anymore?» he asks. Your question leaves me dumbfounded. Why do you want to know? After all this time, it doesn't really matter.

  Chapter 21

  Shouldn't he care. Right? I don't know how to respond, so I decide to run in retreat. I depart quickly, leaving the two children fighting. I hear the voice of Erik call my name but I do not turn. I'm so stupid, I shouldn't have come tonight, I didn't have to. Because that question? Why?

  «Stopped» he order seizing hold of the wrist. All this brings to mind many memories.

  «What do you want?» I beg free myself from his grasp.

  «I want you to answer my question.»

  «You are nobody to show me that question» I repeat I turned towards him. «you have to leave me alone. You've been out of my life for a year, I demand that you continue to be so» I say in a rage.

  «I can't. »he goes a step further. Automatically I make one step back. «I can't stay away from you. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. You miss me like the air, I don't live anymore since you've been gone». He continued, he approaching more and more. Your words rocked abruptly my heart.

  «You've had a year to prove it» I whisper.

  I want to cry, I had to be cold, instead I can't. His hand rests gently on mine, I can't do anything.

  «You wouldn't let me» retorts. This is just an excuse. If he kept really to me, he would have moved heaven and Earth.

  «I'm sorry but I don't believe you. You have no idea how it was bad for you.»

  A river of tears uncontrollably falls on my face. I feel again the pain, it's hurts. I have to get away from this situation. I walk towards the entrance until his voice I responding again.

  «You think you have been assigned to my company? You think I don't know what you've been doing all this time?» he yells.

  I can't believe he manipulated everything. I am in shock.

  «I've always known what to do, ever». Why telling me these things? Why now?

  «Why are you doing this? What do you want from me, Erik? » I question.

  «I want you» He answer.

  «You can influence my work but not me» I say.

  I have no idea why you're acting this way. Cannot get by that way after all this time.

  But who does he think he is?

  He can't tell me: "I want you". Of course, these are the words that I dreamed of hearing for months, but don't believe him. It's not possible.

  Return to villa without stopping. He go to hell, him and his words. I won't be fooled again.

  From that moment on, I no longer see Erik, and this gives me some relief. I can't wait for the night to end.

  Claire reappears behind me with two glasses of champagne in hand.

  «Here you go, honey» she says smiling. No way, dear, I know you do too.

  «You are diabolical. This you'll pay me» I slur. «I don't know what you're talking about.»

  «He asked you to bring me here, not deny» I affirm. Her smile turns into a small grimace.

  «Look, it's time the auction» she search to change the subject. I should have known, she is totally biased. Never imagined that Erik had all this control over the situation.

  A middle-aged man begins to talk about the importance of this evening. Shows the projects that will be implemented and would like to thank Erik for his efforts. The man takes the bag containing the ten numbers to be extracted and starts to call one. The first number belongs to a guy, I think, of my age. A lady has thousands of dollars for a night with him but the figure continues to rise dramatically. If you compete in three. All this is fun, as well as being a good deed.

  The evening continues with other services and very high numbers. I drink some champagne while I look around.

  «85. »

  I almost choked hearing call my number. I turn to face Claire. Terror fills my eyes, she looks at me amused. Because smiling like an idiot? But what the hell ... Hold on. She ... He ... they ... Oh my God! It was a trap, it was all arranged. He wanted to come to this. The kill with their eyes and go towards the stage. As I walk I see Jason.

  «The least you can do to make it up to me is do not allow Erik to win this auction. Clear? »he whispered into my ear. We turn to look at Erik, who smiles at 32 teeth. I very much hope that Jason can do something, I don't even want to think about the possibility of spending an evening with Erik. Nope, I refuse.

  «Let's start with a base of $1,000 for this sweet girl» communicates the voice microphone.

  That embarrassment, are there for all to see! "Do you think it's for a good cause and will soon be at an end," I tell myself.

  «Five thousand». Erik's voice interrupted my thoughts. I'm trapped, I hope someone does something. I don't even want to think about the idea of a dinner with him. I watch him sour but he does not seem to care. In fact, he's having fun, I guess.

  «Ten thousand» this is Jason. God, thank you.

  «Twenty thousand» He retorts the asshole.

  «Thirty thousand,» he says a voiceover. I don't recognize him. I turn to look at him. I don't think I know him. A mask covers his face. Too bad, I would like to put a face to my Savior.

  «Forty thousand» retorts Erik. He seems to be nervous. What is it, Mr. Truston, things do not go according to your plans?

  «50 thousand» countered the mystery man. Who the hell spends that kind of money for a dinner? But then, I say, I don't even know! I just hope they Erik resigns.

  «Two hundred thousand».

  My mouth opens wide in disbelief.

  Erik is willing to spend that kind of money he wins? But why not resigned?

  Please tell me there's somebody crazier than him. Any person but not him. The room suddenly goes quiet.

  Erik and the mysterious man launch disapproving challenge. Erik seems very annoyed by his presence. Do you know him?

  The man raises his hands in surrender, he turns to me by sending me a flying kiss. But what is it? The night of kisses? I'd love to know who it is. No stranger would spend all that money for nothing. But my biggest concern right no
w is Erik, won the auction and I am forced to spend a night with him.

  I can't believe there are waterfall. Without wasting time approaches decided step.

  «I come pick you up tomorrow night at 6:00 pm» he says with masterful air.

  I wish I erase that smile that came over his face. I hope to die before.

  I don't think I'd go out alive from the evening.

  Yes, ok, I hate it. But I said I stopped loving him. I nodded slightly and I'm leaving.

  Just tonight I did the full of surprise and intrigue. I can't blame anyone but myself. I was stupid, I should have known there was something going on.

  Now that I think about it, that's who I can take it: Claire. she wasn't supposed to do that, she knows how I feel and what I went through. Apparently she doesn't care.

  Chapter 22

  I'm waiting to go straight to hell. It's 6:00 pm and he'll be here any minute.

  How could I have gotten myself in this situation?

  I continue to ask without receiving a response.

  A black Mercedes pulls up in front of my house. The door opens and out comes the handsomest man and fascinating that I've seen. Erik. That cruelty. He could become worse wish time. No way!

  More beautiful and he charming than before.

  «Hello, baby».

  Baby? Since we have this confidence? We've been dating for months and he acts like nothing happened. I have to admit, though. Inside I'm dancing for having heard back that name but I must not fall for it again. It would be always the same situation.

  «Good evening, Erik» cold I answer.

  I don't watch him, I know I'd be screwed. All because of his eyes. Who am I kidding? It's not just the eyes. The problem is the complete package.

  The drive is quiet, and it's so nerve-wracking! I could ask you a few questions while we are.

  «You have manipulated the auction?» I wonder by turning towards him. What a stupid question. I know it was him.

  «I always get what I want. You know that, don't you?» he responds. He has not changed one iota. I had no doubt.

  «You had everything you wanted from me long ago. The question is: why now? No, wait, I guess. You get bored, so you thought you'd get an old toy. Poor thing» I say sarcastically.